How to Tell If Your Electrical Panel is Too Old?

Electrical panels play an important role in your home. But they are best left alone. However, the panel is outdated; it can put your home at risk of fire. Older panels cannot manage the flow of electricity, eventually leading to circuit overloads and short circuits. 

But how do you know you have old electric panels installed at home? Let’s find out!

3 Signs of an Old Electrical Panel

Typically, electric panels can last for 20 to 40 years. However, not all panels are made using the best construction, so it is difficult to know for sure how long they might last. As a rule of thumb, electric panels should be updated after every 20 years. 

If you’re uncertain how old the panel is, consider looking at the age of your home. Most older homes, built 20 or more years ago, are equipped with outdated electrical panels. You can always ask an electrician to inspect your home, and they can guide you about whether or not your panel needs an upgrade. 

That being said, here are the top 3 common signs that indicate your electrical panel is outdated: 

  1. A Rusted Panel 

Although rust doesn’t really indicate an old panel, it is one of the biggest signs that it needs to be replaced. Rust can compromise functionality and typically occurs in older panels. So, instead of leaving it as is, hire an electrician and replace your panel with a new one to ensure it continues to function safely. 

  1. You Have a Fuse Panel 

Fuse-based panels are outdated. While there is nothing wrong with their construction, they aren’t fit to be used according to modern standards. 

Instead of using circuit breakers, the old electrical panels use fuses to prevent overload. However, unlike breakers, the fuses are in lesser quantity. This leads to homeowners plugging in more devices to one outlet, leading to overloads. 

  1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If the circuit breaker keeps tripping, replacing the breaker may help. However, if the panel is too old, the entire unit may need to be replaced. Contact your electrician to find out whether or not you need to replace a breaker or the entire electrical panel. 

Reach Out to Ryan Electric

Old electric panels can malfunction and put your home at risk of an electric fire. It is important to get your panel inspected by a professional and replace it if needed. 

Reach out to Ryan Electric, and we can help you determine whether or not your electrical panel needs repairs or replacement. Call (913) 406-7700 for more details.